The world of boxing heats up this month
with three major fights. Tomorrow, Floyd Mayweather defends
his lightweight title against Jose Luis Castillo in a rematch
of their classic slugfest and top heavyweight contender Wladmir
Klitschko takes on Jameel McCline. Then on Dec. 14, Evander
Holyfield will attempt to win a piece of the heavyweight title
for the fifth time when he faces Chris Byrd. USA TODAY boxing
reporter Dan Rafael is here to answer your questions on the
fights and the state of boxing.

Dan Rafael: The word is that Trinidad is still retired and as long
as he stays that way there won't be a rematch. De La Hoya plans to next
fight in September, probably in a rematch against Shane Mosley, the only
other fighter with a win against him besides Tito.Chattanooga, TN: Does the aging Mike Tyson have a legitimate chance
of winning a heavyweight championship in the next few years? What will it
take for boxing to earn the media coverage and fan base of other major sport?
Is the boxing community doing something wrong?

Dan Rafael: Tyson is finished as a legitimate top threat in the division
but people are still interested in watching him. As for media coverage,
there are many sports to compete with and it doesn't help when the biggest
stars the sport has to offer -- De La Hoya, Lewis, Tyson and many other
top champions -- only fight once or twice a year. It's hard to keep the
interest.SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: 1. DO YOU THINK BERNARD HOPKINS WAS AFRAID
TO FIGHT ROY JONES JR ? 2. WHO DO YOU THINK WOULD HAVE WON A MIDDLE WEIGHT
FIGHT BETWEEN ROY JONES JR. AND MARVIN HAGLER ?

Dan Rafael: I don't think Bernard was afraid to fight Roy, I just
think Bernard has an insane sense of what his services are worth. He wanted
too much money and therefore it didn't happen and he's got nothing lined
up. Jones-Hagler would have been interesting, but I would have to go with
Jones. Speed kills.Regina, Canada: Hi Dan! Why doesn't the American media respect
Lennox Lewis...it seems everyone is constantly looking for a reason to knock
Lewis, yet he keeps on rolling. People said Lewis has no power, yet forget
he is the guy who crushed Razor Ruddick (prime Tyson couldn't do it).
Perhaps thats the reason behind why guys like Tua won't rush in on Lewis.
Perhaps that's the reason Tyson didn't. My point is, what does he
have to do to gain the respect of the American media?

Dan Rafael: I can only speak for myself as someone in the American
media and I have always had great respect for Lennox as a person and a fighter.
For others it may have to do with his aloof personality and his sometimes
cautious style of fighting. People want to see a champion, especially the
heavyweight champion, fight with meaning and knockout intentions.winthrop masachusett: do you think felix tito trinidad should come
out of retiering and fight hopinkins again

Dan Rafael: If Trinidad is healthy and happy being retired, then
good for him. More power to him because so few great champions have been
able to leave on their own terms. However, if he decides to fight again,
his best bet would be to fight De La Hoya again. That's the fight people
want to see. I know it's the fight I want to see. I don't know anyone who's
really too interested in seeing a second Hopkins fight.New Orleans, la.: I'm very interested in how the ranking process
works, I used to think a fighter was ranked on his performance against the
quality of his opponents, however, now I'm beganning to believe that
rankings are done by the amount of money a fighter can generate. As an example,
I am and has always been a Mike Tyson fan but how could he have been the
#1 contender after serving time in prison and fighting no one? Dwight

Dan Rafael: Rankings are subjective and SHOULD be based on what the
fighter has done.Ames, Iowa: How will Klitschko do against Lewis? Also, Jameel McCline
isn't chopped liver... he could surprise... for example, who on earth
is Ross Purity?

Dan Rafael: If you're talking about Vitali Klitschko, Lennox knocks
him out. If you are talking about baby brother Wladimir, it's a much tougher
fight and Wladimir has a good shot to win it. Of course, first Wlad has
to win a tough test on Saturday against McCline. McCline is a very live
underdog. Wladimir lost to Puritty early in his career because he more or
less ran out of gas in a fight he was winning easily. Ross is a battle tested
veteran who has been in with everyone and he has a terrific chin.Lewisburg TN.: Dan, I love your boxing articles and hope to become
a boxing writer like you one day. My question is that do you think that
Oscar De La Hoya will talk Bob Arum into a unified match against Winky Wright.
Wright has done everything that people in boxing has asked him to do. I
think that Wright's style can beat Oscar. Do you think that the fight
will ever happen?

Dan Rafael: Winky deserves to fight Oscar and it would be a very
interesting fight. But Oscar and Arum are looking for the biggest fights
in terms of money and the truth is at this moment, Winky is not the biggest
fight for Oscar. Oscar can make a lot more money right now rematching with
Mosley, Trinidad or even fighting Vernon Forrest or Vargas again. But I
am a big fan of Winky's and hope he gets his shot at the major fight with
Oscar.Lewisburg TN.: Do you think that if Chris Byrd beats Evander, if
he can say that is a champ cause he is not a paper challenger who beat David
Tua and deserved to fight Lewis. Do you think that Byrd would have any agruement
to being called a champion?

Dan Rafael: I think Byrd will beat Evander pretty easily because
he's got the style to do it, fast and elusive. Evander will have to chase
him all night and at 40, I don't think he'll be able to keep the pace he
needs. If Byrd wins he'll have a belt. but Lennox Lewis is THE REAL heavyweight
champion until someone beats him, regardless of whether or not he decided
to duck Byrd.Springfield, IL: Do you think it was a good idea for Sugar Shane
Mosely to jump to 154? There are some great fights there for him, but I
think he should have gone down to face Tzyu and possibly a showdown with
Mayweather (assuming Mayweather can pull off a victory this weekend).

Dan Rafael: Mosley can not make 140 pounds so that is not a possibility.
Going to 154 makes sense because he's done what he can at 147 and lost twice
to Vernon Forrest. What else can he do at that weight? At 154, he can campaign
for a rematch with Oscar or fight Vargas or Winky. There are just more attractive
options for him at that weight. If Mosley ever fought Mayweather it would
be an absolute destruction. Mosley would destroy Mayweather. Just too much
size, power and speed for him.Fort Walton Beach, Florida: Hey Dan, Most boxing experts are predicting
a crushing win by Vladimir Klitschko, but am I stupid for feeling that Jameel
Mcccline has more than enough talent and motivation to hold his own against
the fierce Ukrainian warrior?

Dan Rafael: I agree with you. I think Jameel is a very live underdog
and think that if Wladimir wins, it won't come easy. I can see it going
a long way, maybe even the distance.Cincinnati,ohio: Who do you think will win between jones and ruiz?

Dan Rafael: Ruiz.Rockledge,FL: Dan, I am a boxing novice, so bare with me. Although
it was a No Contest I was very impressed with Smoke Gainer in his last fight.
Why isn't there a clamor for Smoke, as a title holder, to fight Barerra
or Morrales? Thanks. DJ

Dan Rafael: Gainer does not get tons of attention because he hasn't
been very active and because his style is often frustrating to watch so
he doesn't have a huge fan following. However, he is an excellent fighter
and he signed with adviser Lou DiBella this week. Because DiBella has several
dates to fill on HBO you can expect to see him guide Gainer into some meaningful
HBO fights, possibly even against a Barrera or Morales. More likely he'll
do a rematch with Seda first and then look to fight the likes of a Johnny
Tapia, Manny Pacquiao or Oscar Larios.Detroit, MI: Do you really think Roy will be able to keep Ruiz at
bay for 12 rounds to win a decision?

Dan Rafael: No. I think Ruiz knocks Roy out.Anahiem CA: Do you think Lennox Lewis could beat the Klitschko brothers,
and Chris Byrd..? And if so than how great would he be among heavey weight
greats?

Dan Rafael: I do think Lennox can win all three of those fights,
but I doubt all three will happen. IF he did do that it would add significantly
to his legacy. He's already one of the best heavyweight champs ever.edison, nj: do you think Lewis will fight Wladmir, providing he gets
past Vitali and Tyson, if Wladmir blows out McCline and another top five
heavy? Or do you think he won't want to risk being ko'd for the
third time?

Dan Rafael: If Lewis beats Vitali and Tyson again, I think we will
see him fight Wladimir.Oxnard, CA: Dan - How does Fernando Vargas' 9 month suspension
affect his fighting skills in the future? One of the knocks against Fernando
is that he doesn't fight frequently enough and by the time his suspension
end, he would have only fought once in almost two years, which is way too
little for a 24 year old fighter in his supposed prime. This was even the
case before his fight with De La Hoya. Your thoughts?

Dan Rafael: The nine months may seem like a punishment but it might
actually do Vargas some good. He's taken some bad beatings and he can use
the time to rest his body. But I'm not sure Fernando can ever truly rebound
from the beatings he took from Trinidad and Oscar.henderson,ky: dan the man 2 questions for you should my little hommie
"bones" adams hang up the gloves or will he fight for small purses
against up and comes? 2ndly after jones jr. makes ruiz look like the chump
he really is what next??? ( hopefully not another rap cd)!!!!!

Dan Rafael: I've always loved Bones. He's a great guy if you ever
meet him, fun to be around. But Bones has been fighting a long, long time.
He turned pro as a teenager and maybe time and moves up in weight have caught
up with him. I'd love to see him retire and enjoy himself.
As for the second question, IF Roy beats Ruiz (a big if to me) he can do
as he pleases. Stay at heavyweight and fight the winner of Holyfield-Byrd.
Go to cruiser and fight the winner of Jirov-Toney or go back to light heavyweight
and fight the winner of Tarver-Griffin or even try to lure Dariusz Michalczewski
into a fight.Springfield, IL: If McCline is able to pull of an upset this weekend,
what do you think the chances are that Lewis will retire after his spring
fight?

Dan Rafael: I think Lewis might look to fight McCline eventually
if McCline beats Klitschko. Lewis used McCline as a chief sparring partner
for a few fights and they know each other. I think Lennox would be confident
he could beat McCline pretty easily.rolando,rochester,ny: hello Dan, do you consider miguel cotto the
best olympian prospect like I do?

Dan Rafael: Cotto is one of the elite prospects in boxing and certainly
one of the top few to come out of the 2000 Olympics, along with Mohamad
Abdulaev, Rickardo Williams, Jeff Lacy and a few others.St. Paul MN: I read somewhere that HBO is hoping to get Manny Pacquaio
and Marco Antonio Barrera in the ring soon. What are the chances of that
happening? Do you think Pacquaio has a legitimate chance?

Dan Rafael: HBO would love to do Barrera-Pacquiao this spring, but
the Barrera people are not interested in the fight so I don't think it will
happen.Keene, NH: Do you think that 15 round championship fights would give
boxing more creditability. They would never play the World Series for only
7 innings or the Superbowl for 3 quarters. But that seems to be the case
when title bouts went from 15 to 12 rounds.

Dan Rafael: Before there were 15-round fights there were 20-rounders,
30-rounders, etc... So no, I don't think going back to 15 would make boxing
more credible.Long Beach, CA: Hi Dan, Given their responsibilities to protect the
well-being of the fighters, why are referees paid so little compared to
the purses fighters receive in big fights?

Dan Rafael: Because no one comes to watch a referee. That's like
asking why doesn't an NBA referee make as much as Shaq or a baseball umpire
as much as Barry Bonds. Referees are important, but they are not the reason
the sport exists and therefore shouldn't make the millions a top fighter
makes.Raleigh, NC: Big Dan, What's up! I assume you watched the Gatti/Ward
second fight. A couple questions. Number one, do you think Gatti should
give Micky Ward a third fight and do you think he will? From my eye's
Gatti controlled the fight in every round, but when Ward did step up briefly
in the fight it all started with the jab. I think Gatti did a wonderful
job on the defensive end bending over to protect from Ward's dominate
body punch's which leads to my final question, do you think Ward's
corner should have changed their offensive strategy during the fight, because
he obviously wasn't getting in any good body blows on Gatti. I personally
believe Ward's corner did a horrible job.

Dan Rafael: You assume correctly, I did watch Ward-Gatti (in the
arena and then a few times on tape!). Anyway, I do think Gatti should give
Micky a third fight and I do think it will happen later this year. As for
Micky changing strategy during the fight, I'm not sure he could. Micky fights
one way and it's nothing fancy. That's why fans love him.Evansville, IN: Hey Dan! I am a HUGE boxing fan. This month seems
to be Heavyweight alley. Now the true story Wladimir Klitchko "KO"
Is this the real deal? I have watched most of his fights that were televised
and what a tremendous jab. I think he is the next thing in the Heavyweight
divison. What do you think?

Dan Rafael: Wladimir's jab is crushing and his main weapon as far
as I am concerned. I do believe he is the next big thing in the heavyweight
division. Jameel McCline can prove us wrong on Saturday.Dallas, TX: Why do you think so highly of Lennox Lewis in the history
of heavyweights, when CLEARLY, if you look at who he has fought at their
AGES and points in their careers, he is average? It is clear that his management
team has dodged the big names until they were in the twilight of their careers
and he had a much better chance of winning. Do you disagree and if so, WHY?

Dan Rafael: Lennox never dodged Tyson. He tried to fight him when
in the mid 90s and Tyson gave up his title instead of fighting Lewis. Lennox
never dodged Bowe. Instead Bowe threw his title in the trash. So I disagree
with you completely.Milwaukee, WI: Hey is Tito Trinidad coming out of retirement to fight
Delahoya

Dan Rafael: He says no. I'll take him at his word.Toledo, Ohio: Are you now ready to give Jones some kudos after you
spent a year or so dissing him, and even going as far as saying Jones would
not dare fight Ruiz.

Dan Rafael: I have Roy Jones No. 1 on the pound for pound list so
to me that is not dissing Jones. And Jones never had to fight a heavyweight
to prove anything to me. I wanted to see him face Dariusz or Jirov or Tarver.
Now he's fighting Ruiz. I give him the utmost respect for that move.SHAW AFB,SC: DO YOU THINK JESUS"EL MATADOR" CHAVEZ HAS
WHAT IT TAKES TO BEAT FRIETAS OR CASAMAYOR???

Dan Rafael: Jesus Chavez is a good fighter, an exciting fighter and
I think he will eventually win a belt at 130. But I'm not sure he beats
Casamayor and I would pick Popo to whip him.lansing, michigan: Will Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya get
it on any time soon and who do you think would win that fight?

Dan Rafael: Oscar says he would like to fight Hopkins in the last
fight of Oscar's career so he can try to win a title in a sixth weight class.
I doubt it will happen, but if it did you have to like Hopkins in that fight
unless he's about 45 by the time it happened.: where is the mayweather fight--will it be televised--rr mcallen
tx

Dan Rafael: Mayweather fights Jose Luis Castillo in a rematch on
Saturday night in Las Vegas. The fight is on HBO at 10 ET/PT along with
the Klitschko-McCline heavyweight bout.McLean, Virginia: Dan, Does public care about the second fight between
Tyson and Lewis? How about the "ever- elusive and apprehensive"
Roy Jones Jr and washed-up Tyson? AA

Dan Rafael: I don't think the public cares much about a Lewis-Tyson
rematch. I know I don't. I saw it once and I saw Tyson get brutalized for
eight rounds. Jones would never fight Tyson.Des Moines, IA: What do you think of the three fights that lewis
is agreeing to do? Do you think there will be anything left for him to proove
if he wins all three? Who else do you think he should fight? And why would
he fight Tyson again, if there is any reason besides money?

Dan Rafael: If Lennox beats the Klitschkos and Tyson I don't think
there would be any reason whatsoever for him to fight on. In fact, I would
have no problem if he retired now. He doesn't have anything to prove to
me. The reason he would fight Tyson again is that the rematch was part of
the contract to make the first fight happen. If Lennox wanted to fight someone
other than those three fights, I would like to see him give Byrd a shot
as long as Byrd beats Holyfield.San Jose, CA: While there are constant reports of the marginalization
and demise of boxing, there have been an increase in local boxing shows
in the Bay Area. We get 1/month now instead of the 1/year we would get several
years ago. Locally it appears to be attributable to De La Hoya promoted
cards as well as the success of Jorrin and Lazcano in Sacramento. Is this
just a local phenomenon or common in other parts of the U.S. as well?

Dan Rafael: De La Hoya's company has been doing a solid job putting
on local shows. Where I live there is an excellent regular show in Glen
Burnie, Maryland. Club shows are very important to boxing because it keeps
fans in the arena instead of just watching on TV and it gives young fighters
a place to develop.San Carlos, CA: What is the scoop on Barrera-Morales 3? I heard Barrera
has said he would prefer a couple more fights in between. Is this a negotiating
ploy or real? If it's real, what would be next for each of them? I've
heard rumors of Barrera fighting Pacquiao and Morales against Marquez. I'm
a big Pacquiao fan, any chance that happens and would Pacquiao have a chance?

Dan Rafael: Morales and promoter Bob Arum were all for a third fight
in May. Barrera decided he wanted to go a different route this spring and
put off a third fight until at least the fall. Marco's wife just had a baby
and mentally he's not looking for that major fight right now. He deserves
a break after taking on all the top challenges the past few years in Hamed,
Morales and Tapia. Morales will probably face the winner of the Feb. 1 fight
between Marquez and Medina. Morales-Marquez would terrific.San Francisco, CA: My friends want to go to Vegas and see the Jones-Ruiz
fight. I think this is a dud waiting to happen. I think Jones is going to
dance around for 12 rounds and Ruiz will plod around after him and not be
able to touch him. And I've heard reports of Gainer being on the undercard?
Ugghhh!!!!! Please tell them we should stay away from this stinker.

Dan Rafael: Jones-Ruiz could be a stinker, but it will certainly
be a major event. The arena will be electric, that's for sure. Gainer could
fight Seda on the undercard in a rematch, but it's not set.Westwood, CA: I just read on Rudy Martzke's column that HBO renewed
Larry Merchant's contract. Is that a good move? I'm of the opinion
that HBO, like the sport of boxing itself, needs fresh new faces/voices
with their commentators (Lampley is great, by the way). Are you available?
:)

Dan Rafael: Yes, Larry is back with HBO for another four years and
I couldn't be happier. Larry is a treasure as far as I am concerned and
should be calling fights until he decides to give it up. And I agree with
you about Lampley. He's the best blow-by-blow man ever.Beamont, Texas: Do you think there will be a lewis vs tyson 2 ?

Dan Rafael: Probably.Aschaffenburg,Germany: Just how good is Jameel McCline? Does he really
stand a chance against Klitschko?

Dan Rafael: Jameel is very good, especially when you consider he
had only one amateur fight, which he lost. He has already accomplished a
lot when you think about that. He has a real chance to beat Wladimir.Atlanta, GA: Hey Dan, Would Roy Jones still get your respect if he
loses to John Ruiz? dr

Dan Rafael: I respect all fighters, first of all. If Roy loses to
Ruiz "like a man" of course I would. If Roy runs all night and rips off
the fans, I would be pretty annoyed.Phoenix, AZ: Why does the media push the idea that Roy Jones is losing
fans? Coast to Coast on voting polls, he is considered pound for pound the
best. He takes on anybody and makes it look easy. Virgil Hill for ex. is
no pushover right?

Dan Rafael: I agree, Roy is the best p4p in the world.PSL CT: Is it true Christy Martin is about to pull out of her fight
tonight with Mia St John?? Alex

Dan Rafael: That's the word. But who really cares? That fight is
a waste of time and a total ripoff. Instead of watching garbage like that,
pop in a tape of your favorite recent fight.Private School Land CT: Rafael???? people keep clamoring about calzaghe
but WTF if Tocker Pudwill??? thats a joke. people keeping saying this and
that about ottke and calzaghe, but as far as im concerned eric lucas is
the only one to step up to the plate recently and face some live opposition.
whaddya think?

Dan Rafael: Pudwill is a late replacement for Thomas Tate, who was
not that good of a choice to begin with. Calzaghe is taking all the guys
Ottke already beat -- Brewer, Tate, Pudwill. It is a joke. Calzaghe needs
to fight a real guy one of these days. But I'm not sure Eric Lucas is better
than him either. Lucas has gotten a lot better since he lost to Jones, but
he's still just an average champion.Atlanta, GA: Hey Dan - I love watching Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti
fight each other - both fights were excellent. Will there be a third, and
if not, what is next for both fighters? I've heard that Ward may be
nearing the end, but I'd hate to see him go.

Dan Rafael: There will probably be a third this summer. Win or lose,
Ward says he's done after that fight. Gatti still has title aspirations
and would like to fight Tszyu eventually.Chattanooga, TN: Who is the most underrated fighter today? Who should
we expect to see make a rise to the top?

Dan Rafael: In no particular order, Tim Austin, Winky Wright, Phillip
N'dou, Acelino Freitas and Juan Manuel Marquez.Chocolate City: How do you thing won the first Trindid DeLaHaya fight?
And why do you think Trinidad retired?

Dan Rafael: I thought Oscar won pretty easy against Tito. Trinidad
says he retired because he was healthy, wealthy and happy. Can't beat that.Albuquerque, New Mexico: Hey Dan what's up? My question is do
you think Castillo put pressure on Mayweather like he did in the first fight?
And secondly where is the rumored site for the Jones Jr. fight gonna be?
Thank's!

Dan Rafael: Castillo must pressure Mayweather if he is going to win.
And since pressure is the way Castillo normally fights, I think he will
try to do it against Mayweather again. As for the Ruiz-Jones fight, it will
be at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.Sacramento Ca.: What do you think about Oscar De La Hoya's idea
to have tournament with him, Vargas, Trinidad, and Mosely, and do you think
Trinidad will come out of retirement to have the tournament?

Dan Rafael: I think the tournament idea is stupid. Oscar can pick
whoever he wants to fight. There is no need for a tournament and if there
was one, certainly no need for Tito to be in it.Springfield, IL: Will Mayweather crack your Super Six with an impressive
victory?

Dan Rafael: Floyd was in my Super Six since the beginning and only
fell into the second six recently. If he wins impressively, I would imagine
he will find a way back in but it's pretty elite company to crack right
now.Grand Rapids Mi: I live in Floyd Mayweather's hometown and we
want to know what the heck is his problem? He seems to do everything he
can to screw up his image?

Dan Rafael: I wish I knew what his problem was too. To me he's a
spoiled rotten kid who has no respect for anyone or anything.Private School Land, CT: Here I come to save another chat from the
pangs of boredom. Raf dawg - Your favorite unknown Phillip Ndou finally
got a decent fight in America, with highlights on Showtime... but nothing
has followed. Cassa is scared, and Ndou is fighting GABRIEL RUELAS of all
people!!! What's left for the Time Bomb??

Dan Rafael: N'dou will get a chance to shine eventually. He's a tremendous
puncher and he can box. Only rap on him is his chin, but who really knows.
I'd love to see him and Casamayor but it takes two to tango.Cleveland, OH: Do you ever think we would see Klitschko vs Klitschko?

Dan Rafael: No. They have said time and again they will never fight
each other and I believe them 100%. It will never happen.Buffalo, NY: What's the latest on Baby Joe Mesi? I know his handlers
have kept him away from dangerous foes, but in his late 20's, he needs
to step up now! Who do they have lined up, adn what do you think of him
long-term?

Dan Rafael: Mesi has been brought along well and I agree it is time
to step up. There is talk of a spring/summer fight in Buffalo against Michael
Grant on HBO. Mesi seems like a really good person but I don't think he
has what it takes to be heavyweight champ. At least based on what he's done
in the ring so far.SHAW AFB,SC: DOES DIEGO CORRALES HAVE A CHANCE TO BE A WORLD CHAMPION
AGAIN AT 135 OR 140??

Dan Rafael: Corrales first needs to settle his contract dispute with
Top Rank. He's still in his 20s so he can make it to the top again, but
it doesn't seem likely.Siloam, N.C.: Boxing seems to be taking a backseat to MMA like the
UFC and Pride would a promoter such as Don King ever agree to cross over
pay per view blockbusters such as a Tito Ortiz vs Roy Jones Jr,Lennox Lewis
vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogiera, or Mike Tyson vs Ken Shamrock?

Dan Rafael: Boxing has not taken a backseat to MMA or UFC. Those
things don't draw nearly the fans, money or media attention as boxing and
never will.Ann Arbor, Michigan: How would Oscar De La Hoya have done against
Sugar Ray Leonard or Tommy Hearns as welterweights. Thanks.

Dan Rafael: Oscar is a great fighter and will be in the Hall of Fame,
but both of those guys would have beaten him.Dayton, Ohio: When do you think the heavyweight division will bring
back the excitement and great matches that are being seen in the lesser
weigts?

Dan Rafael: There are plenty of good, exciting fights at heavyweight,
so I don't think the question is relavent.Pensacola Fl: What fights will be shown on HBO or SHowtime?

Dan Rafael: Most big fights are on HBO or HBO PPV. The network has
exclusive contracts with several fighters so all the bouts of Lennox Lewis,
Oscar De La Hoya, Wladimir Klitschko, Barrera, Roy Jones, Forrest, Mayweather,
etc... are all on HBO, plus lots of other big fights. Showtime shows fights
of Mike Tyson, Kostya Tszyu, Popo Freitas along with other fights.Nappanee, IN: I feel Chris Bird will outpoint Holyfield, and probably
every other heavyweight for that matter. How do you see this fight. Also,
give Evander credit for taking this difficult fight. Chris Byrd is very
hard to look good against. Bernie Beer

Dan Rafael: I agree with you. Byrd should win a comfortable decision
against Evander. I give Holyfield tons of credit for taking the one fight
that is probably more difficult for him than any other.chicago, il : How did you score the first fight on Castilo vs. Mayweather.

Dan Rafael: I had it a draw, 114-114.flint,michigan: HI Dan, Being from the same city as Chris Byrd,I
just wanted to know how other people rate his talent and wonder how he will
do against Holyfield, and Lennox lewis.

Dan Rafael: Byrd is not everyone's cup of tea because of his style,
but I enjoy watching him. I have him rated only behind Lewis and Wladimir
Klitschko. He's one of the heavyweights in the world. He beat Vitali Klitschko
and toyed with David Tua.Meridian, Idaho: When should Evander Holyfield give it up? When is
enough enough?

Dan Rafael: I've said Evander should have retired after the second
Ruiz fight, but he is a grown man and he wants to fight. As long as he passes
the medical exams, he'll fight as long as he wants to whether we like it
or not.ric from Arlington, VA: Do you think Manny Pacqiao has a chance against
Barreira? The kid is like a mini Mikte Tyson.

Dan Rafael: Although I don't think the fight will happen, I would
give Manny a chance with Barrera but I think Barrera is too experienced
and too big for him.Atlanta, GA: I would love to see a major fight on network television,
but I think those days are over. What do you think of the idea of the WB
network replaying fights a week after they are on HBO? After all, both networks
are owned by Time Warner and the WB currently has no Saturday programming.

Dan Rafael: I would love to see fights back on network TV as well,
but HBO shows replays of its fights already and people pay a premium every
month to subscribe to HBO. If the fights were on free TV a week later it
would probably hurt HBO's subscriptions, so I doubt that would happen.Albuquerque, New Mexico: Tapia v.s. Hamed who would win? Any truth
to the rumor Hamed will not fight in the U.S. anymore?

Dan Rafael: Hamed probably wins but I'd love to see it. I know that
is the fight HBO is interested in making eventually. As far as Hamed not
fighting in the US, his next fight (if he decides to fight again) will probably
be in Britain against Michael Brodie. After that he could come back to the
US.San Francisco, CA: So, am I stuck going to see Jones-Ruiz? Have you
heard any rumors about other attractive Vegas fights during the first half
of the year? The only other ones I've really heard are Lewis-Klitschko
and Morales-Marquez.

Dan Rafael: Vegas has some fights scheduled for early next year.
Marquez-Medina is at Mandalay Bay on Feb. 1. Shane Mosley fights there as
well on Feb. 8.hudson, nh: word had it that Augie Sanchez was trying to get his
license back... any word or hope that he might come back?

Dan Rafael: The Nevada commission denied Augie his license because
of medical opinion and Augie is suing. Augie needs to retire before he gets
seriously injured. I was at the knockout loss to Hamed and it was very severe,
as was his KO loss to John Michael Johnson.PSL CT: Hey Dan, I hear that this month's ESPN card in Miami
is a tribute to Angelo Dundee. I also hear George Foreman wrote a great
piece for this tribute. Is all that true?

Dan Rafael: It's true. You have good sources.San Antonio: Two Questions. One, Although you rank Roy Jones as the
#1 lb for lb fighter, after possibly getting KO'ed by Ruiz would you
still rank him #1? Two, Do you think possibly Roy is trying to find a way
to favor his status by going into a no lose situation with Ruiz?

Dan Rafael: Good question about Roy's p4p status if he loses. Luckily
I have a few months to think about it. I don't know if Roy is thinking that
way. He sees a fight he thinks he can win for which he will make at least
$10 million.San Antonio: If there is no Barrerra, Morales 3, Then what else would
either fighter be fighting for. They still have not proved who is the Top
fighter in there wieght class.

Dan Rafael: Barrera will look to fight in the spring, maybe against
a Larios-type opponent. Morales will probably face the Marquez-Medina winner
in May.Pittsburg,CA: Will there ever be a union in boxing? why or why not?

Dan Rafael: There is an organization that is trying to put that together
now.Comment from Dan Rafael: Thanks for questions
and for chatting today. Enjoy the fights this weekend and next.